Zhouyi / I Ching, Hexagram 2: Kun, Kun as Earth, Kun above and Kun below

Detailed explanation of the Initial Six line of the second Zhouyi hexagram

Initial Six line statement

Initial Six. Treading on frost; solid ice will arrive.

The Image says: Frost underfoot means solid ice; yin has begun to congeal. Following its course and allowing it to develop, solid ice arrives.

Explanation in plain language

Initial Six: Treading on thin frost, one can infer that a thick layer of solid ice is about to freeze.

The Image Commentary says: Treading on thin frost, one can infer that a thick layer of solid ice is about to freeze. This shows that cold yin energy has begun to gather; as the natural order advances, the thick layer of solid ice is about to form.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Ordinary: Those who obtain this line should carefully guard against disputes arising from enmity and resentment. People with strong yin energy may greatly develop their family enterprises. Officials should beware of disasters caused by slander from petty people.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Fortune: Rise from low status to high status; do not advance rashly.

Wealth: Gradual accumulation can lead to prosperity.

Home: Excessive yin is inauspicious; marriage is unfavorable.

Health: Illness caused by yin cold; if prolonged, it is difficult to cure.

Initial Six changing hexagram



When the Initial Six line changes, it becomes the 24th Zhouyi hexagram: Returning, Earth over Thunder. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Zhen below and Kun above. Zhen is thunder and movement; Kun is earth and compliance. Movement is therefore compliant with nature. Movement occurs within compliance: yang inside and yin outside, moving step by step, advancing and retreating freely, favorable for going forward.


The meaning of this line statement is: When your feet tread on frost, you should know that freezing is about to begin.

The Image explains this line: “Treading on frost; solid ice will arrive”—yin has begun to congeal; following this development, the season of ice and snow will inevitably arrive.

Anyone who obtains this hexagram and wants to undertake something must be cautious. Observe the surrounding circumstances, especially the details. Certain signs can foretell the direction of future developments, so one must understand how to see the great from the small. This hexagram carries two meanings, good and evil, prosperity and decline. Whether it is good or evil, prosperous or declining, can be predicted from small matters in the present.

The Wenyan Commentary says: “A family that accumulates goodness will surely have an excess of blessings; a family that accumulates wrongdoing will surely have an excess of calamities. When a minister kills his ruler or a son kills his father, it is not a matter of one morning or one evening. The cause has developed gradually; it is because the distinction was not recognized and addressed early. The I Ching says, ‘Treading on frost; solid ice will arrive,’ speaking of following.”

Initial Six: Treading on frost; solid ice will arrive. If this hexagram is obtained, remember well:

When yin energy first grows dense, frost is trodden; wait for the right time to move and see the sunlight.

A force in the clouds rises to support you; a traveler by the water is in the north.

Matters often develop through gradual progression; when they congeal, remember the warning of treading on frost.

Goodness brings surplus blessings; wrongdoing brings surplus calamities.


Philosophical meaning of the Initial Six line


Those who obtain this hexagram need not cultivate themselves specially, and nothing they undertake will be unfavorable. However, this fortune does not arise from nowhere; it has a necessary prerequisite: one must uphold “the way of Earth”—straight, square, and great. The Image says of the movement of Six in the second place: it is “straight” through “square”; “without practice, nothing is unfavorable”—the way of Earth is radiant. This means that every action of Six in the second place is upright and square, and dares to uphold principles. Even without daily study, one will not do anything unfavorable to the growth of all things. This is precisely the virtue of the Earth: handling affairs according to its way and causing it to flourish—learning from the Earth’s gentleness, keeping a broad mind, being upright, generous, and great-hearted. The ordinary efforts made in this way will achieve their expected purpose, gradually expand one’s influence, and make everything go smoothly.
Those who obtain this hexagram should consider finding a capable and beautiful woman as a business partner. Then the enterprise you undertake can succeed without much effort. Even when facing important or major events, you will not need to cram at the last moment and learn on the spot. Even if you encounter something you have never done before or arrive in an unfamiliar place, nothing will go badly; when you meet difficult problems, they will be resolved easily.

Six in the second place is a yin line in the central and proper position, occupying Kun’s principal place, so naturally nothing unfavorable will occur. Uprightness, rectitude, and generosity are qualities of a minister. If a minister possesses these three qualities and does not act inconsistently, the ruler will naturally make good use of him. This admonishes people that when they occupy an advantageous position, they should fully exercise their abilities and let their light and warmth shine, so that they can achieve greater development.

Detailed explanation of the Six in the second place line of the second Zhouyi hexagram

Six in the second place line statement

Six in the second place. Straight, square, great; without practice, nothing is unfavorable.

The Image says: The movement of Six in the second place is straight through being square; without practice, nothing is unfavorable—the way of Earth is radiant.

Explanation in plain language

Six in the second place: Flat and straight, square and upright, and expansive are the characteristics of the earth. Even going to an unfamiliar place is not unfavorable.

The Image Commentary says: The image of Six in the second place is flat, straight, and square. Even going to an unfamiliar place is not unfavorable because the way of Earth is vast and boundless.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will not worry about food and drink and will have no anxiety over clothing and sustenance. Officials will be promoted and hold high positions. For a woman, it indicates a virtuous wife who builds up the family.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Fortune: Achievements can be completed and fame can be attained.

Wealth: Profit can be expected.

Home: Domestic life is as desired; marriage is smooth.

Health: Recovery without medicine.

Six in the second place changing hexagram




When the Six in the second place line changes, it becomes the 7th Zhouyi hexagram: the Army, Water over Earth. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Kun above. Kan is water and danger; Kun is earth and compliance, suggesting soldiers hidden among farmers. Weapons and war are ominous and dangerous; using troops is something a sage does only when unavoidable. Yet conflict can be resolved smoothly and without obstruction because it follows circumstances and the army has a justified cause, thus transforming danger into good fortune.


Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line


From the hexagram image, Six in the second place is a yin line in a yielding position, centered and upright. It is a highly representative line within Kun. This line is both centered and correct; extended to human conduct, it means one should also be upright, square, magnanimous, and balanced.

Those who obtain this hexagram need not cultivate themselves specially, and nothing they undertake will be unfavorable. However, this fortune does not arise from nowhere; it has a necessary prerequisite: one must uphold “the way of Earth”—straight, square, and great. The Image says of the movement of Six in the second place: it is “straight” through “square”; “without practice, nothing is unfavorable”—the way of Earth is radiant. This means that every action of Six in the second place is upright and square, and dares to uphold principles. Even without daily study, one will not do anything unfavorable to the growth of all things. This is precisely the virtue of the Earth: handling affairs according to its way and causing it to flourish—learning from the Earth’s gentleness, keeping a broad mind, being upright, generous, and great-hearted. The ordinary efforts made in this way will achieve their expected purpose, gradually expand one’s influence, and make everything go smoothly.
Those who obtain this hexagram should consider finding a capable and beautiful woman as a business partner. Then the enterprise you undertake can succeed without much effort. Even when facing important or major events, you will not need to cram at the last moment and learn on the spot. Even if you encounter something you have never done before or arrive in an unfamiliar place, nothing will go badly; when you meet difficult problems, they will be resolved easily.

Detailed explanation of the Six in the third place line of the second Zhouyi hexagram

Six in the third place line statement

Six in the third place. Contain the pattern; it can be steadfast. Perhaps serve in the ruler’s affairs: no achievement, yet a good ending.

The Image says: Contain the pattern so that it can be steadfast; reveal it when the time comes. Perhaps serve in the ruler’s affairs; wisdom is broad and radiant.

Explanation in plain language

Six in the third place: Defeat Yin and Shang. A satisfying divination. Someone serves in war, achieves no military merit, yet the outcome is still good.

The Image Commentary says: Defeating Yin and Shang and receiving a satisfying divination shows the ability to seize the opportunity and act. Someone serves in war, without military merit but with a good outcome, because his wisdom is broad.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Ordinary: Those who obtain this line can achieve their plans; serious management will bring gains. Officials may hope for promotion. For a woman, it indicates a virtuous wife.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Fortune: Act when the time comes; your achievement and reputation can be preserved.

Wealth: Seize the opportunity and profit will certainly come.

Home: Build unity and cohesion.

Health: Irreversible; ominous.

Six in the third place changing hexagram



When the Six in the third place line changes, it becomes the 15th Zhouyi hexagram: Humility, Earth over Mountain. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Kun above. Gen is mountain and Kun is earth. A mountain rises from the earth: the earth is low and the mountain high, high within and low without. It describes great achievement without claiming credit, high reputation without self-praise, and high position without arrogance. This is Humility.


Philosophical meaning of the Six in the third place line


From the hexagram image, Six in the third place is a yin line in a yang position, so it is out of position. The third line is the highest position of the lower trigram and is often dangerous. When in a high or dangerous position, do not display yourself; follow others. This change is not easy, but one must strive for it, or danger will result. The line statement’s “contain the pattern” means hiding one’s talents, maintaining awareness of danger, and being restrained and reserved. Thus the lesson of Six in the third place is to keep one’s abilities contained rather than revealing them.

The Wenyan Commentary says: Although yin possesses beauty, it contains it. In following the ruler’s affairs, it dares not claim achievement. This is the way of Earth, the way of a wife, and the way of a minister. The way of Earth makes no achievement, yet substitutes for another and brings a good ending.

For an individual, even if you possess literary talent, you should preserve it firmly and wait until the time is ripe. When working with a leader, do not speak of your personal merit; attribute the honor to the ruler. Only then will there be a good ending.

The Six in the third place line is yin in a yang position, so it is not in its proper place, and it is not central either; the situation is unfavorable. Therefore, it can only hide its talents and hold to the correct path. If it serves the ruler, it should not reveal its abilities too much; merit must be attributed to the ruler for a good result. This hexagram corresponds to the hexagram Pi, symbolizing yin factions gathering and the loss of authority. Therefore, in handling affairs one should appear confused outwardly while remaining clear inwardly; only this way can one avoid disgrace and reach a good end.

Detailed explanation of the Six in the fourth place line of the second Zhouyi hexagram

Six in the fourth place line statement

Six in the fourth place. A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.

The Image says: Tying up the sack brings no blame; caution causes no harm.

Explanation in plain language

Six in the fourth place: Tie the mouth of the sack tightly, like keeping silent; there is neither blame nor praise.

The Image Commentary says: Tying the mouth of the sack, like keeping silent, means that caution prevents calamity.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Ordinary: Those who obtain this line face obstacles in business; generally, those who are cautious and restrained will avoid unexpected calamity. Officials should carefully keep to their regular duties and may hope for promotion. For a woman, it indicates virtue and a prosperous household.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Fortune: Restraint is essential; seek only to avoid mistakes.

Wealth: Put money safely in the bag; do not invest further.

Home: Peace is a blessing.

Health: Maintain yourself carefully.

Six in the fourth place changing hexagram



When the Six in the fourth place line changes, it becomes the 16th Zhouyi hexagram: Joyous Anticipation, Thunder over Earth. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Zhen above. Kun is earth and compliance; Zhen is thunder and movement. Thunder appears according to its season, announcing spring’s return to the earth. Moving through compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and Humility are complementary nuclear opposites and interact with each other.


Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line


The fourth line of the Kun hexagram, line statement: Six in the fourth place: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.

Explanation of the line statement “Six in the fourth place: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.” of the fourth line of the Kun hexagram

“Kuo” originally means to tie, bind, or bundle; it also means to contain, encompass, search, or seek, and it additionally denotes the tail of an arrow.

The meaning of this line statement is: Tie up the mouth of the sack; there will be neither disaster nor praise.

The lesson of Six in the fourth place is: Seek no merit, but only freedom from fault. From the hexagram image, Six in the fourth place is a yin line in a yin position, so it is in its proper place. We know that “the fourth is often fearful.” This line has begun to enter the upper trigram, but its situation is perilous and unsettled, so it is best to restrain oneself. “Tie up the sack” means tying the sack shut: regardless of one’s talents, one must restrain oneself, not reveal them, keep silent, and speak and act cautiously. “Kuo” also represents the tail of an arrow; “tie up the sack” means tying the quiver tightly so that only the arrow tails are exposed, and not drawing the bow and shooting at a critical moment. In this way, although one gains no praise, one can ensure freedom from disaster. Through the Six in the third and fourth places of Kun, and the third and fourth places of Qian, we can see this pattern: when one is in the third or fourth place, being without blame should be enough.

The Image says: “Tie up the sack; no blame”—caution causes no harm.

This points out that “tying up the sack, with neither disaster nor praise” means acting carefully causes no harm. The corresponding example is that after King Zhou killed the innocent indiscriminately, no one gave him advice or offered strategies; everyone kept their mouths tightly shut and no longer brought trouble upon themselves, ultimately avoiding disaster.

After obtaining this line, if you want to invest, it is best to postpone it. Although you will not gain profit, you will not suffer a loss either. Do not lend money to others; tighten your purse. Keep your mouth shut, do not gossip or criticize, and do not kindly offer strategies for others. Do not rush to gain profit or praise. What matters in this period is: seek no merit, but only freedom from fault.

At this time yang energy is weak and yin energy is strong, an image of Heaven and Earth closing. Therefore, the worthy should withdraw, observe the movement of the situation with great wisdom, retreat into seclusion to preserve themselves, and wait for the opportunity to enter public service. In terms of hexagram energy, this corresponds to the hexagram Observing in the eighth month.

Detailed explanation of the Six in the fifth place line of the second Zhouyi hexagram

Six in the fifth place line statement

Six in the fifth place. Yellow lower garment; supreme auspiciousness.

The Image says: The yellow lower garment is supremely auspicious; virtue is within.

Explanation in plain language

Six in the fifth place: A yellow lower garment; supreme good fortune.

The Image Commentary says: The yellow lower garment is supremely auspicious because “yellow lower garment” symbolizes a person’s inner virtue.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes


Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will gain wealth and benefits; everything will be stable and free of disaster. Officials will be promoted and rise rapidly. For a woman, it indicates a virtuous and capable person.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Fortune: Achievement and reputation shine greatly.

Wealth: Profit is certain.

Home: Harmony and joy fill the household.

Health: The illness is in the digestive system.

Six in the fifth place changing hexagram


When the Six in the fifth place line changes, it becomes the 8th Zhouyi hexagram: Fellowship, Water over Earth. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Kan above. Kun is earth and Kan is water. Water clings to the earth, while the earth receives rivers and seas; they depend on each other and are intimate without separation. This hexagram is completely opposite to the Army and is its complementary opposite. It expounds mutual affection and assistance, broad-minded selflessness, and sincere unity.


Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line


The Image says: “Tie up the sack; no blame”—caution causes no harm.
This points out that “tying up the sack, with neither disaster nor praise” means acting carefully causes no harm. The corresponding example is that after King Zhou killed the innocent indiscriminately, no one gave him advice or offered strategies; everyone kept their mouths tightly shut and no longer brought trouble upon themselves, ultimately avoiding disaster.
After obtaining this line, if you want to invest, it is best to postpone it. Although you will not gain profit, you will not suffer a loss either. Do not lend money to others; tighten your purse. Keep your mouth shut, do not gossip or criticize, and do not kindly offer strategies for others. Do not rush to gain profit or praise. What matters in this period is: seek no merit, but only freedom from fault.

At this time yang energy is weak and yin energy is strong, an image of Heaven and Earth closing. Therefore, the worthy should withdraw, observe the movement of the situation with great wisdom, retreat into seclusion to preserve themselves, and wait for the opportunity to enter public service. In terms of hexagram energy, this corresponds to the hexagram Observing in the eighth month.

Detailed explanation of the Upper Six line of the second Zhouyi hexagram

Upper Six line statement

Upper Six. Dragons battle in the wilderness; their blood is dark yellow.

The Image says: Dragons battle in the wilderness; their way has reached its end.

Explanation in plain language

Upper Six: Dragons fight on the earth, and blood flows across the wilderness.

The Image Commentary says: Dragons fighting on the earth is a metaphor for people reaching an impoverished dead end.

Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes

Ominous: Those who obtain this line will suffer the troubles of competition and incur great losses. Officials may face the disaster of demotion.

Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning

Fortune: At the end of the road.

Wealth: The entire principal is lost.

Home: Disorder and disharmony.

Health: Liver blood imbalance; dangerous.

Upper Six changing hexagram



When the Upper Six line changes, it becomes the 23rd Zhouyi hexagram: Stripping Away, Mountain over Earth. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kun below and Gen above. Five yin lines are below and one yang is above: yin is strong and yang isolated. A high mountain rests upon the earth. Both images indicate stripping away, so it is the Stripping Away hexagram. Yin is strong and yang weak, symbolizing petty people gaining power, noble people in distress, and enterprises falling into ruin.



Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line


From the hexagram image, Upper Six is the topmost line of Kun and has reached the highest position. Moreover, the yin line occupies the upper position and is therefore in its proper place. It may become arrogant, violating the principles of gentleness, compliance, and overcoming hardness through softness. In action it may become fierce and rash, leading to failure of plans and possibly harming itself and others.

The Wenyan Commentary explains this: Yin suspects yang, so battle is inevitable. Because it is suspected of having no yang, it is called a “dragon.” Yet it has not left its own kind, so it is called “blood.”
The meaning is: Because yin suspects yang, war inevitably results. They resent having no yang, and since Upper Six is in the upper position and has gained power, it becomes arrogant and declares itself yang, declaring itself the dragon representing yang. Even so, because it is a yin line, it can never escape the category of yin; this blood relationship determines it and cannot be changed.